Dispersed camping options near Allenspark, Colorado center around Roosevelt National Forest and offer primitive sites at elevations between 8,000-10,500 feet. Most sites feature established fire rings with creek access providing white noise that masks hiking trail traffic. Road conditions vary significantly after rain or snow, with many access points requiring careful navigation through unmarked forest service roads.
What to do
Mountain biking on single tracks: West Magnolia Campground provides direct access to numerous mountain biking trails. "Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent," notes a camper who visited in fall 2024. The area connects to the broader Nederland trail network.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bears, moose and smaller wildlife frequent many campsites. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, one camper reported, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping." Keep food stored properly.
Snowshoeing in winter months: Some areas remain accessible during winter but require additional preparation. A visitor to Johnny Park Road Camping advised, "If you go in the winter bring some snowshoes for Johnny park road into bright trailhead. A little traffic through the night, but very light and I assume just private ranch goers."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many dispersed sites sit alongside creeks that provide ambient sounds and scenery. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, a camper shared, "We camped on a pseudo island between the two streams and the running water helped drown out any noise too." This site requires a short hike from the parking area.
Proximity to Nederland: Several camping areas offer convenient access to Nederland for supplies. "I love this place because of its proximity to Nederland and Denver," wrote one reviewer about West Magnolia Campground. "Great views can be had easily. Site 13 has nearly 180 degrees of views, but it is highly exposed challenging the toughest of tents."
Privacy between sites: Despite popularity, many areas feature well-spaced sites. A camper at Gold Lake Area Dispersed noted, "Gold Lake Road is one of the best spots for dispersed camping in the area. There are a ton of spots on the way to the lake. I've been able to find a spot even on a summer Saturday, which can be hard to do in many of these dispersed camping zones outside of Boulder."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding some free camping near Allenspark can be difficult without clear directions. One camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot reported, "Initially, the campgrounds were hard to find. Keep driving down Ski road until you find a fork in the road, and from there onwards are the campsites."
Property boundaries: Many camping areas border private property with strict boundaries. At Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed, a visitor explained, "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left. If you keep going out the road it turns to private property."
Tick awareness: Several areas report tick problems, especially in spring and early summer. A Gold Lake visitor warned, "The only thing I would caution about this area is The ticks. We brushed about Five off of us just during the visit. Unfortunately we must've missed one because my wife ended up with one attached when we got home in her scalp."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites: For families with young children, look for sites closer to main roads. At Beaver Park Reservoir, a camper noted, "Long dirt road, with many spots to pick from along it. Road was bumpy but most cars could manage. Lots of wildlife; squirrels, rabbits, and a moose that walked right by our campsite."
Child-friendly viewpoints: Some areas offer simple walks to scenic viewpoints. "There is a super easy family-friendly mini hike with great view and a little cell access. If you are facing the lake, to your right just behind you there are some rocks. Walk toward them and then maybe 30 yards away from the lake you can walk right up. Just follow your way up that hill to a rocky outlook. 15 minutes if you have a small child," advised a visitor to Beaver Park.
Plan for cool nights: Even summer camping requires warm clothing for children after sunset. A camper at Dream Canyon Campsites reported, "This was a wonderful campsite, incredible views, fairly easy to access(we did it in a Honda civic), and was an overall great environment. Not much out there, except what appears to be a small town on the other side of the lake."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Beaver Park Reservoir, an RVer shared, "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some pots are close to each other and others have more space."
Road condition awareness: Forest roads deteriorate quickly after rain. "Road is passable by standard cars. No cell service. Layout can be crowded with little space between but was pretty empty through the week," noted a camper at Beaver Park Reservoir, highlighting how conditions change throughout the week.
Leveling challenges: Many sites sit on uneven ground requiring leveling blocks. A visitor to Gordon Gulch noted, "Spot 21 is the best for privacy but the road is a bit rugged getting back there. I recommend a high clearance vehicle to enjoy. There are decent amount of campsites to pick from."
